Rose gold isn't a rare pink gold dug out of the ground. Its secret ingredient is something you've probably got in your purse right now.
It's one of the most-loved jewellery metals in the world. But ask most people what makes it pink and they've no idea.
Read to the very end to find out why your rose gold might look different in 20 years' time.
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The secret ingredient: copper
All gold jewellery is a mix of pure gold and other metals. Yellow, white and rose gold just use different recipes.
🪙 Rose gold gets its blush from copper, the same metal behind copper coins and pipes.
A typical 18ct rose gold is around 75% gold, with the rest mostly copper and a little silver. More copper pushes it towards red. Less copper makes it softer and pinker.
That's why rose gold comes in shades from pale blush to deep coppery red, and why no two jewellers' rose gold looks quite the same.
London Blue Topaz and Diamond 9ct Rose Gold Ring | Size M — £950
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Why it was once called "Russian gold"
Rose gold became famous in 19th-century Russia, where it was a signature of Imperial goldsmiths, including the legendary Fabergé workshop.
🇷🇺 It became so linked with Russia that it was sometimes simply called "Russian gold".
Rose gold has also been loved in Britain for centuries. This Victorian brooch is built on a base of pale rose gold, framed with rose-cut diamonds.
Victorian Sapphire, Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Brooch — £895
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Is rose gold tougher than yellow gold?
Surprisingly, yes, a little. Copper is a hard metal, so rose gold is generally slightly harder than yellow gold of the same carat and resists everyday knocks well.
💰 And it's not more expensive just for being pink. Gram for gram, the gold content is the same as yellow or white gold of the same carat.
Diamond & Large Baroque Pearl 18ct Rose Gold Drop Earrings — £1,475
Rose Quartz, Iolite, Amethyst, Topaz, Opal and Diamond 14ct Rose Gold Chunky Ring | Peroni & Parise — £2,995
Fallen for a rose gold ring that's not your size? Send us a resize enquiry here.
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Rose gold FAQs
Is rose gold real gold?
Yes. It's real gold mixed with copper and a little silver, and it's hallmarked just like yellow or white gold.
How do I keep rose gold glowing?
Easily. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth bring back its rosy glow in seconds.
Is rose gold more expensive?
Not because of the colour. The gold content is the same as other gold of the same carat.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Megan Nolton
"My favourite place! I have several items of jewellery from Eloise including my engagement rings and every single staff member is amazing."
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So, why might your rose gold look different in 20 years?
Because the copper keeps quietly reacting with the air.
🌹 Over many years, the copper in rose gold can develop a deeper, warmer patina. Many antique rose gold pieces look richer and more coppery than when they were first made.
Some people polish it back. Others love it, because that slow colour change is the piece's own story, written in metal.
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Pretty in pink, built to last
Rose gold is proof that a little copper can go a very long way: romantic, tough, and full of history.
Pop into our Kirkcaldy boutique to see our rose gold pieces in person. Curious about what makes a stone "real"? Read are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
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Visit or contact Eloise Jewellery
📍 Eloise Jewellery
156 High Street
Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm